NA3HL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors this week go to Josh Benson (North Iowa), Austin Azzinnaro (Missoula), Dylan Carroll (St. Louis), Rich Hart (Syracuse), Jacob Peterson (Texas) and Christian Lenzmeier (Breezy Point).
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) announced today the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending November 27, 2016. The divisional stars of the week are an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the eight divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Josh Benson, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls
For the second week in a row, North Iowa’s Josh Benson stole the spotlight in the net for the Bulls. The Stillwater, MN native grabbed his first shutout of the season on Saturday night, saving all 27 shots he faced. “Josh Benson has continued to be a difference maker for the Bulls. He is undefeated in 7 starts. His recent efforts haven't gone unnoticed, as he was called up to the NAHL's Fairbanks Ice Dogs this week,” said General Manager and Head Coach Todd Sanden.
2nd Star: Dayton Honkanen, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Anthony Fortin, forward, Wisconsin Whalers – Elliott Gerth, goaltender, Wisconsin Whalers – Conor Klaers, goaltender, La Crosse Freeze
Coastal Division: did not play this week
East Division: did not play this week
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Austin Azzinnaro, defenseman, Missoula Jr. Bruins
With seven points this weekend, defenseman Austin Azzinnaro was a threat on both ends of the ice. The Spokane Valley, WA native was +7 through two games played, and contributed a power play goal on Saturday night. “Austin played a great two games over the weekend. He provided offense from the back end, and helped our transition game on both nights,” said Head Coach Marcus Baxter.
2nd Star: Carmon Teel, forward, Bozeman Icedogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zach Ahiers, defenseman, Bozeman Icedogs – Josh Chamberlain, forward, Missoula Jr. Bruins – Tanner Congdon, forward, Great Falls Americans – Corbin Emery, defenseman, Billings Bulls – Keith Gustin, forward Billings Bulls – Brendan Jester, forward Great Falls Americans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Dylan Carroll, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Netting the game-winning goal on Saturday night, Jr. Blues defenseman Dylan Carroll stood tall for St. Louis in their road win over Cincinnati. The St. Peters, MO native grabbed a +5 rating through the night, while putting up two goals and an assist of his own. “Dylan put together a solid game Sat. night, putting up two goals from the blue line and adding an assist while being a plus 5. He created a lot of offense and played a strong defensive game,” said Head Coach Chris Flaugher.
2nd Star: Regnars Duris, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): none
Northeast Division Star of the Week: Rich Hart, defenseman, Syracuse Stampede
Extending his point streak to five games, defenseman Rich Hart stepped up for the Stampede this weekend. The Liverpool, NY native collected a goal and three assists this weekend. Hart’s goal came on the power play, and was recorded as the game winning goal of the contest. “Rich was solid on D for us this past weekend. He added 4 points, which helped the team on both ends of the rink,” said General Manager and Head Coach Michael Beavis.
2nd Star: Oscar Lande, forward, Syracuse Stampede
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): none
South Division Star of the Week: Jacob Peterson, defenseman, Texas Jr. Brahmas
An explosive offensive performance from Jacob Peterson led the Texas Jr. Brahmas through a weekend of wins. The defenseman from Oak Creek, WI registered four points through the weekend, which included two goals and two assists. Peterson’s goal on Sunday was on the power play, and became the game-winner for the Jr. Brahmas. “As a d-man, Jacob contributes everywhere on the ice. This weekend, his offensive contributions were the difference for our team. He had a 3-point game on Saturday, and followed that up with the game winner on Sunday,” said Head Coach Michael Hill.
2nd Star: Kyle Klatt, forward, Atlanta Capitals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hunter Bersani, forward, Texas Jr. Brahmas – Brayden Hutchinson, forward, Louisiana Drillers – Kevin Lake, goaltender, Louisiana Drillers – Adam Vannelli, defenseman, Atlanta Capitals
West Division Star of the Week: Christian Lenzmeier, forward, Breezy Point North Stars
With a four-point performance over the weekend, Christian Lenzmeier rallied the North Stars through two games. The West Fargo, ND native was a +3 through the weekend and registered a power play goal on Sunday. “CJ is now playing as one of our top forwards every night for the past couple weeks and deservedly so. This past weekend CJ played out of his bubble becoming a game changer every shift,” said Head Coach Jon Jonasson.
2nd Star: Mathew Sprink, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tucker Bjorlin, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Nick Blanchette, forward/defenseman, Breezy Point North Stars
